Evanston Public Library Announces Blueberry Awards: Celebrating Nature in Children's Literature

Discover award-winning children's books promoting environmental awareness at the Blueberry Awards by Evanston Public Library. Inspiring young minds for a sustainable future.

on Mar 06, 2024

Evanston Public Library Announces Blueberry Awards: Celebrating Nature in Children's Literature | Frontlist

The Blueberry Awards reward children's literature that encourages environmental awareness. Martha Meyer spearheads these prizes, which aim to educate and inspire.
Martha Meyer, a committed Children's Library Assistant at Evanston Public Library, spearheaded the establishment of the Blueberry Awards, a unique award honouring children's books centred on environment, ecological responsibility, and climate action. Unlike the conventional honours presented by the American Library Association, the Blueberry honours seek to fill a void by recognising outstanding publications in these crucial areas. The effort shows an increasing awareness and commitment to environmental topics in children's literature.

Origins of the Blueberry Awards

Meyer saw an unmet need in the literary community for recognition of children's books that
effectively combine literary quality with environmental education, which inspired the Blueberry Awards concept. The awards were created with the help of a broad committee that included librarians, biologists, and climate specialists. The goal was to reward books that not only entertain but also teach young readers about nature without instilling climate concern. The awards have risen in importance, with the number of honoured books increasing to 35 in the most recent iteration to cater to a wide age range of children.

Criteria and Selection The Blueberry Awards selection process is rigorous, with Meyer and her committee reading advance copies of every relevant children's book published. The selection criteria include literary excellence, illustration or photography quality, and scientific accuracy. Additionally, books that correspond with the City of Evanston's climate action goals are given special attention, demonstrating the awards' commitment to promoting effective climate education.

Impact and Future of Blueberry Awards

The Blueberry Awards have swiftly gained prominence for their distinct focus and have been commended by both committee members and the larger literary community. The awards hope to nurture a generation more aware of and engaged with environmental issues by recognising books that promote a young reader's comprehension and enthusiasm for nature. The next award ceremony at the Robert Crown Community Centre, which will include discussions on honoured books and interactive activities like as a book walk, emphasises the awards' community-oriented ethos and their ability to inspire both authors and readers.

As the Blueberry Awards expand, they not only recognise the accomplishments of children's book authors and illustrators, but also highlight the critical role literature plays in educating young minds about the significance of environmental stewardship. The Evanston Public Library's programme, as well as Martha Meyer's creative approach, provide a hopeful look into how communities might work together to advocate for a more sustainable and aware future, one book at a time.